Where can you buy waterproof and smudge-proof products?
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Makeup trends come and go, but there are some beauty tools that will always be essential – and that includes liquid eyeliner. The cat eye dates back to ancient Egypt and can be seen on Cleopatra, who lined her eyes with the tiny line. Since then, the makeup look has become a classic that can still be seen on red carpets and in makeup tutorials – meaning the trend isn’t going away anytime soon.
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Check out the latest videos, charts and news
Check out the latest videos, charts and news
As Taylor Swift says, liquid eyeliner is a must-have if you want to create “a cat eye that’s sharp enough to kill a man.” Moreover, the beauty product adds the finishing touch to any makeup look, whether you want to create a bold blue eyeshadow look or something casual with all-day wear for the office.
Liquid eyeliner not only helps you shape your eyes exactly the way you want, but it has also quickly become a multi-purpose tool. Not only can you use the makeup tool to highlight your eyes, but you can also use it as a freckle pencil to give yourself a more sun-kissed look.
Before you start practicing your next evening look, you need to make sure you have the best liquid eyeliner that is not only waterproof but also doesn’t smudge easily (which is especially important for beginners) and lasts all day. ShopPoster I also spoke to celebrity makeup artist Michael Anthony, who has created looks for Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Katy Perry and even Tyla, to get tips on using the product.
Read on to learn more.
What are the best liquid eyeliners?
Instead of doing the research ourselves, we scoured the reviews to find the top-rated and best-selling liquid eyeliners you can buy below.
Goal
Editor’s recommendations
Wet n Wild Megalast Breakup-Proof Liquid Eyeliner
Consider this liquid eyeliner from Wet n Wild the ultimate tool in your makeup arsenal. Not only is it under $10, but reviewers can’t stop raving about how “pigmented” the formula is and how easy it is to apply thanks to the thin brush. It’s also waterproof and lasts up to 16 hours after application.
Goal
smudge-proof pick
Too Faced – Better Than Sex – Easy-glide, waterproof liquid eyeliner
Anthony’s favorite liquid eyeliner is Too Faces Better Than Sex because it has a convenient brush tip that allows him to create a sharp line every time. He’s used the liquid eyeliner at live shows “and right up to the after-party” without it smudging. He also notes that a good sealant or setting spray will help prevent smudging, “but a really good waterproof liner is usually a standalone product that you can rely on.”
Amazon
waterproof pimple
Stila Stay All Day – Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Stila’s liquid eyeliner is another favorite due to its long-lasting formula and precision tip. Application is virtually seamless as it glides onto your eyelid without smudging. Reviewers love the product too, with more than 1,000 Amazon shoppers purchasing it in the last month. And as for water resistance, one Amazon reviewer claimed it “holds up even when your eyes are watery or in humid weather.”
Sephora
Beginner selection
Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner
Selena Gomez has conquered beauty lovers with her makeup brand and this liquid eyeliner has become an instant favorite. First-time liquid eyeliner users won’t want to miss out on this formula, as reviewers note that the rounded handle offers “more control” when applying the cat eye. Others also rave about the pigmentation and say that it “lasts all night.” Plus, it’s made with a vegan formula and bristles.
Amazon
Selection for every day
Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eyeliner
The last thing you want is for your eyeliner to disappear after a few hours. That’s where Revlon’s ColorStay Liquid Liner comes in. The formula lasts up to 16 hours and features a thin felt tip that lets you go from thin, precise lines to bold and thick looks with just a change of hand pressure. Amazon shoppers are calling it the “holy grail” of an eyeliner, saying it’s easy to apply and “truly lasts all day.”
How to use liquid eyeliner according to a celebrity makeup artist
Anthony has found that the best way to apply liquid eyeliner is to outline the shape you want with an eyebrow pencil first. This will give you a template that is easy to follow when applying the liquid eyeliner. However, if you really want to elongate the makeup look, he has another technique to achieve professional quality.
“If you want to try a longer cat eye liner, start at the very end of the eye and stamp the liner on the side of the back of the eye instead of trying to create a line,” he explains. “This will lay down the product and you can then pull it out with a brush or the tip of the pencil.”
And if you’re just starting out, don’t expect perfection right away.
“Remember that you need some ‘play time,’ that is, some time before the liner sets so you can adjust the shape and length,” he says.
Also look for liquid eyeliners with an easy applicator like a felt tip or brush end, as this allows for more precision.
“I think product flow is important too,” he notes. “If you’ve ever used a liner pen that squirts ink out of, you probably know how difficult that can be. So look for a liner that controls the product release. I avoid liner pens that require you to click to get the product out, as they tend to leak and get messy.”
Further product recommendations can be found at ShopPoster‘s roundups of the best setting sprays, at-home manicure kits, and online makeup courses.
